Supplementation with IminoTech’s Q-actin, a cucumber extract standardized to contain 1% ido-BR1, was associated with improved measures of sleep quality and finger dexterity in older adults. The 12-week randomized and placebo-controlled study was published recently in Frontiers in Nutrition.

“Sleep disturbances are increasingly common with age and often managed with pharmaceuticals that can have undesirable side effects,” said Amanda Lloyd, PhD, lead author of the study. “Our findings suggest that Q-actin offers a gentle, effective, and natural alternative by supporting the body’s own melatonin pathways.”

The study found that participants who supplemented with the cucumber extract saw significant increases in urinary melatonin metabolites, as well as meaningful improvements in muscular function.

“We’re excited to see Q-actin demonstrate such broad potential across physical and mental wellness,” said Shil Kothari, CEO of IminoTech. “A natural ingredient that supports joint, sleep, and cognitive health. From a single low daily dose of just 20 milligrams opens exciting formulation opportunities for supplements and functional beverages.”

Study Details

In the present study, 47 healthy adults between the ages of 50 and 78 were randomized to receive either two Q-actin gummies per day or a matching placebo for 12 weeks. Participants were not selected for sleep or cognitive complaints and were asked to maintain their usual diet and activity routines. Participants self-reported sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and neuromuscular function was assessed through the nine-hole peg test. Urine samples were analyzed for levels of melatonin and its primary metabolites.

The results showed significant increases in urinary levels of melatonin, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, and 6-hydroxymelatonin; improvements in subjective sleep quality; significant gains in finger dexterity; and no serious adverse events. The subjects achieved a compliance rate of 99%.

The authors of the study noted that finger dexterity may reflect neuromuscular coordination, which is linked to cognitive performance in aging populations.

“The increase in melatonin and its metabolites may be mechanistically linked to Q-actin’s known anti-inflammatory effects, particularly its ability to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha,” said Kothari. “Q-actin’s remarkably low daily serving size and multifunctional benefits make it an ideal standalone or combination ingredient for products that support healthy aging.”